The Fourth Feast Day

Shavuot, Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks (High Shabbat)

Shavuot must be observed by counting 50 days from the first weekly Shabbat after Passover, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of this count, as we learned last week, is the Feast of Firstfruits. These fifty days will total seven complete Shabbat days, which is significant as seven represents completeness. The Torah does not specify or provide a fixed date for Shavuot, making it a moveable feast, which occurs according to the fifty-day count it’s tied to, as explained above.

Shavuot, also known as Pentecost in modern Christian tradition, commemorates the outpouring of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit) as recorded in Acts 2. The name ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek word pentekoste, meaning ‘fiftieth,’ referring to the fifty-day count leading to Shavuot. While Christians commonly associate this day with the Ruach Ha’Kodesh’s descent on the disciples, Shavuot also has deep roots in the Hebrew Scriptures, linked to the giving of the commands and the establishment of the covenant between 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 and His people at Mount Sinai.

Shavuot will, however, always fall in the month of Sivan, the third Hebrew month. It will always be on a Sunday (the first day of the week), as the day after the first weekly Shabbat (the seventh day) after the Passover is a Sunday. Seven Shabbats and fifty days later will always fall on a Sunday. The fifth-day count will sometimes fall on the sixth day of Sivan, but it’s not fixed to the sixth of Sivan as the rabbinical priesthood of old and modern Jew-ish people believe (Rev 2:9, 3:9).

Counting to Shavuot

Why are we counting from one feast day to another feast day?

There is a connection between the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), highlighted by their offerings. Both feasts are tied to the agricultural harvest and mark significant points in that cycle. One marks the beginning, and the other the completion.

• The Feast of Firstfruits offers the first of the harvest to 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (Leviticus 23:10-11), acknowledging His provision and sovereignty over the land or giving back the first and best of what you have received. This is done by waving raw, beaten barley sheaves before 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄.
• The Feast of Weeks marks the completion of the harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving for the fullness of the harvest reaped (Leviticus 23:17). This is displayed by waving two baked loaves of leavened bread before 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄.

As we progress in this study, you will see the significance of Shavuot blossom, but let me quickly highlight a few key points. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 fulfilled the symbolism of the Old Testament wave-sheaf offering, becoming the firstfruits of the harvest, the first resurrected Son of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄, and the first to complete the process of salvation and be “born again.” However, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 could not have become the captain of our salvation without possessing an essential ingredient—the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit)—which is necessary for all who are to be born again.

The second, or final, step—symbolized by the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot)—marks the completion of the harvest. The two loaves of leavened bread represent the fullness of the harvest. It’s important to note that even after the salvation harvest is marked, sin remains within humanity. Nevertheless, this does not negate the offering; rather, it points to the ongoing process of sanctification. The presence of leaven in the two loaves mirrors the reality that the people of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄—Yahshar’el and Gentiles grafted in as wild branches—though redeemed, are still in the process of transformation. Note: Gentiles being “grafted in” (Romans 11:17) are now a part of the same covenant.

Ultimately, the time between Firstfruits and Shavuot (the 50 days) is not just a countdown to a festival but a spiritual process. It’s a cycle that mirrors the believer’s walk—from the initial offering of the firstfruits of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏‘s sacrifice to the completion of that work through the outpouring of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh at Shavuot. This outpouring provided the missing essential ingredient that 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 had and promised to give to us—empowering us to live in obedience to the laws and commandments of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄. The power to fulfill the Torah was made available to all believers.

he one who keeps his commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

1 John 3:24 (HRB)

---

Obedience to the Torah is the evidence of one’s faith and proof of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit) being in him.

---

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Timeline From the Passover in Egypt to Yahshar’el’s Interaction With 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 on Mount Sinai

First of the Month (Head of the Months – Exodus 12:2)

• 14th – First Passover -(Exodus 12:1-13)
• 15th – 21st – Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15-20)
• 16th – First Weekly Shabbat after Passover
• 17th – Feast of Firstfruits – Not Observed in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:10-11, Exodus 23:16)  
• 17th to 6th of the third Month – Counting the Omer (Leviticus 23:15-16)

Third Month (Sivan on the Hebrew Calendar – Esther 8:9)

• 1st of Sivan – Arrival at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2)
• 3rd of Sivan – Preparation for the Covenant (Exodus 19:10-11)
• 6th of Sivan – Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) – The giving of the law and acceptance of the Covenant by Yahshar’el (Exodus 19:16-20, Exodus 20:1-17, Exodus 24:7-8) Not Observed in the wilderness

Though Yahshar’el was not able to observe the agricultural feast days in the wilderness, due to not yet possessing the Promised Land, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 still orchestrated His plan through the timing of His Feast Days, pointing toward future events in His redemptive plan. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 operates in cycles, with each feast serving as a reminder and pattern that reveals His ultimate purpose. The events of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏‘s death and resurrection, aligning with Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits, are not random but are part of the divine plan that reflects the hand of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄.

Similarly, the connection between the first Shavuot, when the commandments and covenant were given, and the Shavuot after 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏‘s resurrection, when the covenant was renewed, and the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Set Apart Spirit) was poured out, demonstrates how 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 works through revelation and restoration. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 used the same cycle, but through 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 as the Passover Lamb, He allowed Yahshar’el and the wild grafted-in branches (Romans 11:17) to renew the covenant, with the addition of the promised Ruach Ha’Kodesh (John 14:15-17, John 15:26), empowering us to live in obedience to His ways, laws, commandments, precepts, and Torah. Though we have received this empowerment, we have yet to experience the full realization of the prophecy in which 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 will write His laws on our hearts and minds (Jeremiah 31:33-34). We eagerly await that ultimate fulfillment.

Scriptures

• Leviticus 23:9-22 – 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 commands the Shavuot (Feast of Weeks or Feast of First Fruits) and provides specific instructions.
• Acts 2:1-5 – After Yahshua’s death, burial, and resurrection. His closest followers, Peter, the other Apostles, and many others numbering around 120, kept the Shabbat and Shavuot (Pentecost).
• Acts 20:16 – Paul kept the day of Shavuot (Pentecost).
• Joel 2:28-32 – 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 promises to pour out His Spirit, connecting this promise to the event in Acts 2.
• John 7:37-39, 14:15-17 – 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 promises the coming of the Spirit, linking the giving of the Spirit to Shavuot.

On the Day of Shavuot (High Shabbat)

• No work, buying, or selling
• Refrain from self-seeking activities or distractions from the holiness of the day
• Rest
• Cooking is allowed
• Feast
• Have a holy gathering (Fellowship with other believers if possible)

Conclusion

On Shavuot, we celebrate not only the harvest, the commandments, and the covenant 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 made with His people (Exodus 19:1-6, 20:1-17), but also the profound outpouring of His Spirit upon humanity. Just as Yahshar’el received the laws that would guide their lives and establish their covenant with 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄, the disciples were likewise empowered by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh to spread the message of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 and live in obedience to His laws. This parallel underscores 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄‘s desire to dwell within His people, offering both the guidance of His commandments and the transformative power of His Spirit. In essence, Shavuot is a pivotal moment in salvation history, where the promises of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏, the keeping of the covenant, and obedience to the law through the Ruach Ha’Kodesh converge.

We will continue with the next feast or Feast(s) next week 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 willing.

By: David Edwards – Hallelu-YAH – Praise YAH – Praise 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄

The post Sabbath and Set Apart Feast Days: A Journey into Their Deeper Meanings – Part 2 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

7. For every species of beasts, both indeed of birds, of creeping things, and of sea animals, is tamed, and has been tamed by the will of man;

8. But no one of men is able to tame the tongue; it is an unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.

James 3:7-8 (HRB)

---

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Definition of Tame:

1. Reduced from a state of native wildness, especially so as to be tractable and useful to humans: domesticated tame animals
2. Made docile and submissive: subdued

Definition of Train:

1. Teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.
2. To develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (a child or other person) by discipline and instruction: to train an unruly boy.
3. To make proficient by instruction and practice, as in some art, profession, or work: to train soldiers.
4. To give the discipline and instruction, drill, practice, etc., designed to impart proficiency or efficiency.

Taming & Training

As human beings, we possess an incredible ability to train and tame animals for various purposes, including hunting, protection, entertainment, etc. Our remarkable capacity to tame and train does not stop with animals, as we can train ourselves and other humans to accomplish impressive feats like completing iron-races, mastering a musical instrument, or any accomplishment found in a Guinness World Record book. However, it’s essential to recognize that we can also unconsciously train ourselves to develop detrimental habits that can become ingrained or give rise to unhealthy behavior. This highlights the importance of being mindful of our surrounding influences and evaluating our actions to determine their impact.

The Impossible

The human mind and body are incredible creations crafted by the hands of YAWHEH with unthinkable potential. Certain individuals have tapped into this potential, performing unimaginable things without training or preparation. In most cases reported, dire circumstances, such as extreme stress, desperation, or pressure, played a role in displaying extraordinary abilities that appear beyond human capability. The astounding stories of Angela Cavallo and William Jeracki listed below serve as prime examples of this potential, showcasing a fight-or-flight response and a remarkable capacity for self-sacrifice and self-preservation in times of crisis.

• Angela Cavallo’s incredible feat of strength was on full display when she saw her son’s life hanging in the balance. This middle-aged mom and grandmother summoned tremendous amounts of hysterical strength and lifted a 3,295 lbs 1964 Chevy Impala off of her son. This courageous act not only showcased an extraordinary, unhuman-like strength but also led to her son’s rescue, saving his life.
• William Jeracki, a 38-year-old physician assistant, went fishing to St. Mary’s Glacier in the mountains outside Denver. During the fishing trip, a boulder fell on him, breaking his leg and trapping him alone in the mountains. Jeracki says he tried for a long time to free himself, but it was ultimately useless, and a decision had to be made. Out of desperation, Jeracki decided to cut off his leg in self-preservation. He made a makeshift tourniquet to slow down his blood flow, and he amputated his left leg from the knee down using a pocket knife. Then, amazingly, he embarked on a courageous journey, crawling half a mile to reach his truck and then driving an additional half mile seeking assistance.

How Amazing are Humans?

As we reflect upon the incredible achievements of humanity, from the taming of wild beasts to completing grueling Iron-races and even a regular person picking up vehicles, it can be tempting to believe that we possess the capacity to accomplish anything we set our minds to. However, this belief could not be further from the truth. It’s a false belief in self and promotes viewing oneself as a god, which is idolatry. There’s a tiny component that exists within our anatomy that remains beyond our complete control and mastery – the tongue. Even the most self-disciplined individuals cannot entirely rein in this small muscle.

James 3:8 describes the tongue as an “unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.” It’s like a hazardous weapon or an uncontrollable wild venomous animal. Fortunately, there is an antidote or solution that can tame and remove the death dealer’s natural inclination toward wildness. The remedy can restrain and make the tongue obedient, submissive, and docile yet wise and advantageous. The cure is freely available to all, but it requires us to surrender everything we have (Matthew 16:24-26) in order to receive it. By submitting to YAHWEH, repenting, and accepting the salvation offered by Yahshua, we can receive the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), which can and will control the tongue. However, submitting our will is the key.

From last week’s Food For Thought!

If you notice that your tongue is constantly telling lies, cursing, spreading gossip, idly chattering, exaggerating everything, and launching harsh attacks of slander and defamation, you need a heart check. You need to seriously contemplate where YAHWEH and Yahshua fit into your life because your heart has confirmed to you by your constant word choice that it is indeed contaminated. We are not perfect, but as believers, we are required to examine ourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not yourselves realize that Yahshua Messiah is in you? If this is not true than you are rejected.“

By David Edwards

The post Wait a Minute, What Did YOU Just Say? PT. 3 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

3. Behold, we put bits in the mouths of the horses, for them to obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 

4. Behold, the ships also, being so great, and being driven by violent winds, they are directed by a very small rudder, wherever the one steering wishes. 

5. So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how a little fire sets ablaze large forests!

James 3:3-5 (HRB)

---

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Definition of Bit:

1. A piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth, enabling the rider to prompt or control a horse by placing pressure in and around the mouth.

Definition of Rudder:

1. A primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other vehicle that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water).

According to the teachings of Ya’aqov (aka James, the brother of Yahshua), the tongue holds tremendous importance in our daily lives. In fact, he compares it to a tiny bit that controls even the most stubborn of horses, a small rudder that steers the mightiest of ships, and a little fire that sets an entire forest ablaze. Our tongue is one of the smallest parts of our body, yet it holds the power to paint a picture of who you are to others. Our use of language and the words we choose to speak reveals our heart (Matthew 12:34), level of self-discipline (James 1:19), and the kind of person we are (Proverbs 10:31).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

---

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Upon closer examination, you can see the insightful observation Ya’aqov implies regarding the tongue and its role and impacts on life with his comparison. Seemingly insignificant devices, such as a horse’s bit or a ship’s rudder, can manipulate and direct what it’s attached to. Despite their small size, these devices possess the remarkable ability to exert control over objects that are much larger than themselves, thus highlighting their profound impact and influence. In comparing the tongue to these tiny things that control the whole of what they are connected to, we are forced to think about the significant power, impact, and influence the tongue has in our lives. Its power to communicate our thoughts and feelings, express our desires and opinions, or even convey our emotions is undeniable. 

Therefore, we must reflect on the forces that guide our speech and ensure that our words align with our faith in YAHWEH and His precepts. Unfortunately, some people allow their tongues to run wild, recklessly speaking whatever comes to mind without regard for the consequences. Others often speak impulsively, allowing their emotions, sinful nature, or negative impulses to dictate their words, which can cause hurt and harm to those around them. In our interactions with others, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact our words have on them. It is necessary to strive to speak with intention, kindness, and compassion towards others displaying the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) and a YAHWEH-influenced life.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverb 31:26 (HNV)

Let not any evil word go out from your mouth, but words that are good and useful for edification that it may impart a blessing to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29 (HRB)

---

In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

How do we Control Our Tongue?

We must seek the Spirit of YAHWEH and allow the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to be our bit and rudder, guiding and regulating our tongue toward righteousness. With this approach, we can avoid or at least minimize causing harm and instead use our words to bring about positive change and do good in the world. Indeed, the power of our words is immeasurable, and the way we choose to use them can make all the difference in our relationships, careers, and even our own sense of well-being.

Conclusion

Do not let your tongue set your life or the lives of those around you ablaze! Surrender your will to YAHWEH and let Him guide you.

By David Edwards

The post Wait a minute, What did you just say? PT. 1 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.